Child Foot Problems

Many adult foot problems and deformities originate at childhood. In-toe-gait (internal tibial torsion) for example, is caused by intra-uterine position(position of the baby in the womb). Although this problem can be outgrown, those that don't can be treated by the pediatric Counter Rotation System (CRS). This flexible, light-weight brace allows independent leg motion while encouraging external rotation of the lower limb.

It has been our experience that proper care and treatment of the feet, beginning in childhood, will prevent many of the mechanical and orthopedic problems seen in adults. Preventive medicine in the field of podiatric medicine is just as important to your child as it is in dentistry or general medicine. Many children walk excessively pigeon-toed, flat-footed, or bowlegged. Although they are not in pain, they are damaging their feet.

Toeing in

Most babies begin life with their toes pointed slightly out. However, if the unborn baby lies with its feet pressed against the womb the wrong way, it can be born with its feet turned inward. The condition can make learning to walk difficult. Tripping may be the first sign of toeing in.

Exercises

Toeing in can often be corrected through stretching exercises. The foot specialist can teach parents some simple exercises that can help straighten out a baby's feet. The exercises take minutes a day, and they are performed until the problem is corrected.

Casts

In some instances, plaster casts can be used to coax a baby's feet back into normal position. Just as braces gradually reposition teeth, casts gradually reposition feet. The casts are changed periodically until the foot specialist determines that the feet are properly aligned.

Flat Feet

Many babies naturally appear flat-footed. Usually, this will disappear as the baby begins to stand and walk. If in doubt call your foot specialist for advice.

Children with flat feet, or low arches, may not be able to keep up with other children because of the added strain on feet and legs.

Orthotics

Orthotic devices can be used to maintain proper foot support. They are made of plastic and must be refitted as the child grows older. Orthotics help to realign the foot and distribute body weight evenly.

Have Problems Checked

If you suspect any foot problems, have a Foot Specialist examine your child. You may spare your child further problems later in life!

Problems treated in children are:

Your Children's Feet

You worry about your children's teeth, eyes, and other parts of the body. You teach washing, brushing, and grooming, but what do you do about your child's feet–those still-developing feet which have to carry the entire weight of the body through a lifetime?

Many adult foot ailments, like other bodily ills, have their origins in childhood and are present at birth. Periodic professional attention and regular foot care can minimize these problems in later life.

Neglecting foot health invites problems in other parts of the body, such as the legs and back.

Your Baby's Feet

The human foot — one of the most complicated parts of the body –has 26 bones and is laced with ligaments, muscles, blood vessels, and nerves. Because the feet of young children are soft and pliable, abnormal pressure can easily cause deformities.

A child's feet grow rapidly during the first year, reaching almost half their adult foot size. This is why foot specialists consider the first year to be the most important in the development of the feet.

Here are some suggestions to help you assure that this development proceeds normally:

Look carefully at your baby's feet. If you notice something that does not look normal to you, seek professional care immediately. Deformities will not be outgrown by themselves.

Provide an opportunity for exercising the feet. Lying uncovered enables the baby to kick and perform other related motions which prepare the feet for weight-bearing.

Change the baby's position several times a day. Lying too long in one spot, especially on the stomach, can put excessive strain on the feet and legs.

Starting to Walk

It is unwise to force a child to walk. When physically and emotionally ready, the child will walk. Comparisons with other children are misleading since the age for independent walking ranges from 10 to 18 months.

When the child first begins to walk, shoes are not necessary indoors. Allowing the youngster to go barefoot or to wear just socks helps the foot to grow normally and to develop its musculature and strength, as well as the grasping action of toes. Of course, when walking outside or on rough surfaces, babies' feet should be protected in lightweight, flexible footwear made of natural materials.

Growing Up

As a child's feet continue to develop, it may be necessary to change shoe and sock size every few months to allow room for the feet to grow. Although foot problems result mainly from injury, deformity, illness, or hereditary factors, improper footwear can aggravate preexisting conditions. Shoes or other footwear should never be handed down.

The feet of young children are often unstable because of muscle problems which make walking difficult or uncomfortable. A thorough examination by a foot specialist may detect an underlying defect or condition which may require immediate treatment or consultation with another specialist. The Canadian Federation Of Podiatric Medicine has long known of the high incidence of foot defects among the young and recommends foot health examinations for school children on a regular basis.

Sports Activities

Millions of Canadian children participate in team and individual sports, many of them outside the school system, where advice on conditioning and equipment is not always available. Parents should be concerned about children's involvement in sports that require a substantial amount of running and turning or involve contact. Protective taping of the ankles or braces is often necessary to prevent sprains or fractures. Parents should consider discussing these matters with their family foot specialist if they have children participating in active sports. Sports-related foot and ankle injuries are on the rise as more children actively participate in sports.

Advice for Parents

Problems noticed at birth will not disappear by themselves. You should not wait until the child begins walking to take care of a problem you've noticed earlier.

Remember that lack of complaint by a youngster is not a reliable sign. The bones of growing feet are so flexible that they can be twisted and distorted without the child being aware of it.

Walking is the best of all foot exercises, according to Chiropodists. They also recommend that walking patterns be carefully observed. Does the child toe in or out, have knock knees, or other gait abnormalities? These problems can be corrected if they are detected early.

Going barefoot is a healthy activity for children under the right conditions. However, walking barefoot on dirty pavements exposes children's feet to the dangers of infection through accidental cuts and to severe contusions, sprains or fractures. Another potential problem is plantar warts, a condition caused by a virus which invades the sole of the foot through cuts and breaks in the skin. Be careful about applying home remedies to children's feet. Preparations strong enough to kill certain types of warts can also harm the surrounding skin. Whenever you have questions about your child's foot health, contact a foot specialist in your community.

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